SUPREME COURT

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 199, 17 May 1919, Page 9

SUPREME COURT

In the Supreme Court yesterday, Joseph Hill, Jean Collyns, and Alice. Scoble were charged with conspiring to procure abortion. There were three counts in the indictment, the other two being-using an instrument, and administering noxious drugs to procure abortion. His Honour tho Chief Justice (Sir Robert Stout) presided, Mr. P. S. K. Macas-, sey, of the Crown Law, Office, appearing for tho Crown, Mr, P. W. Jackson for Jean Collyns, and Mr. H. F. O'Leary lor Joseph Hill. _ Mr. F. B, Gormley was foreman of the Siere were four counts against JosepK Hill, tlireo against Jean Collyns, and two against Alice Scoble. At tho,outset, Air. Jackson asked that tho three counts against Jean Collyns should bo taken separately. He made tlio application under section 2 of clause 337 of tho Crimes Act. His Honour: You want thrso trials. Mr. Jackson: Yes, Your Honour. There, was a long discussion on the subject, and Ilis Honour held that lie could not do (hat, for he was being asked to 6et up a new rule. The three accused rrero mixed up in the matter, and His Honour refused to order a separate trial. All three pleaded not guilty. The jury retired at 5 p.m. and returned at half-past eight with a verdict of not guilty against Hill on all four counts; Jean Collyns was found guilty on the second count, and not guilty on the other two counts; and Alice Scoble was found guilty on both .counts. In the case of Alice Scoble, the jury recommended lie.r to be treated with leniency liicaiise of her age and -ill-health. Both prisoners were remanded uniil this morning for sentence.